A 177-205 GHz 249 mW CMOS-Based Integer-N Frequency Synthesizer Module for Planetary Exploration

This letter discusses the development of a 177-205 GHz CMOS synthesizer module to support planetary science THz instrumentation. The developed synthesizer chip employs a CMOS system-on-chip device containing a 50 GHz phase-locked loop with programmable divider and both 100 and 200 GHz frequency doublers to provide the output carrier. The chip also contains a power sensor for calibration of output power and a dosimeter and thermometer for environmental monitoring of radiation and temperature. The chip is integrated into a board with a microcontroller and USB interface for providing frequency commands and sensor readback. The module is shown to deliver at least 10 μW across the 177-205 GHz lock range while consuming 249 mW of dc power.